Race A Show Of Grealy`s Heart

January 30, 1992|By SHARON ROBB, Staff Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE -- Paul Grealy will crawl across the finish line at Saturday`s Alamo Heart Run if he has to.

Grealy, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, had six epidural injections in his lower back for myofascial pain syndrome over the last 12 months to be able to run Saturday`s 6.2-mile race. It holds a special meaning for the recovering alcoholic and former two-pack-a-day smoker.

``The race is Saturday and Saturday will be 11 years since I`ve had a drink,`` Grealy said. ``It will also be two years since I`ve had a cigarette.

``I have loved running and I wanted to get back into shape, but of course you can`t run and smoke at the same time. I went to the Heart Association and for $5 they gave me a pamphlet that showed you how to stop smoking. I did it and it worked.``

Race proceeds benefit the American Heart Association. Race organizers expect more than 3,000 for the race.

At first, Grealy said it was ``real tough`` to get back into running. It took him nine minutes to run a mile. Now he is down to five minutes, and averaging 10 to 15 miles a day. He has been running two years.

``Now I am realizing a dream that I always wanted to pursue,`` Grealy said.

He plans to take three months off from running after the Heart Run.

``Running is a positive addiction,`` Grealy said. ``Let me just get through to this point and then I`ll stop and see if that muscle tear can heal. The pain is a dull pain on my right upper leg. When I train, it kicks in about 5 or 6 miles. I work my way through it. I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I just told the doctors get me to the Heart Run, that`s what I want to do, that`s what I need to do.

``I guess this all has to do with having a goal and some direction in my life. It`s something I have to do.``

The injury, sustained while playing broomball, slowed him down but didn`t discourage him. ``I will finish no matter what,`` Grealy said. On the advice of top local runners Alexandra Lonc and Jim Hill, Grealy plans to average 7- minute miles.